I used to be exhausted so much of the time. I felt defeated constantly.
I always wished I could be like those other people, you know the type. The girls who seem energized and ‘on’ every single day, no matter the weather. Going about their day with seemingly effortless ease, you know? Always arriving at social gatherings and outings seeming impossibly fresh and excited for life. Jesus.
I, on the other hand, was not experiencing this. I seemed to feel like myself (with energy to spare) for only one week or so a month.
And I couldn’t figure out what was going on, or why I was so exhausted and felt ‘off’ for so much of the month! Did everyone in the world develop superpowers and have endless energy effortlessly and not tell me?!
I ate super healthy, took the correct supplements for my body, was a long time avid yoga and fitness enthusiast and I didn’t generally experience cramps or body discomfort during my pre-menstrual or menstrual phases. So I was very confused and felt like I wasn’t enough most days.
That was when I finally came across the concept of the four phases of the menstrual cycle based on Traditional Chinese Medicine. Game. Changer.
It not only explained to me how females are not biologically hardwired to feel the same way every day (scientifically proven through western medicine and their identification of the hormonal cycles of menstruation), I also learned how to start paying attention to what phase I was in and working WITH it.
So instead of waking up in the morning, walking around like a zombie and getting pissed off that I perhaps felt a bit vulnerable, tired and/or withdrawn in that moment (which also set the stage for more potential negative outlooks for the rest of my day), I checked in to see where I was on my menstrual cycle to see if there was a correlation to my phase and the sensations and feelings that I was experiencing.
By me noticing where I was at on my cycle and giving myself space to be, no matter what was showing up, that little step – that little pause – was a HUGE pivot for me.
It was like a little holistic therapy moment for myself.
Instead of me fighting with myself and my body – quietly expecting or demanding that I feel a certain way (and perhaps over caffinating myself in the meantime – whoops) – I gave myself permission to be with whatever was showing up. And in that permission, that tiny little space of shifting my perspective to allow whatever was showing up to be, my energy began to return.
Maybe it sounds silly, and sometimes it can be easier said than done. But I can share with you that it certainly works. It may take a little practice and play – but hey – life is the journey, not the destination.
Now I look forward to checking in each day to where I am at on my menstrual cycle, what phase I’m in and what I am feeling at the moment. Noticing what’s showing up for me, noticing my own patterns, and learning to work with them.
By doing this I was able to go to work, lean into the strengths of my phase, and have a great shift. Every. Day. I didn’t try to reorganize my life to what I thought might be better suited for each phase. I learned how to ride with my own energy and work with what was showing up for me. I took advantage of my strengths and it worked.
I was also able to attend social gatherings again feeling alive and energized.
I found the more that I gave myself space to be with whatever was showing up for me, the more things shifted and changed for me for the better. Almost immediately, too. And my energy returned. I felt more excited, happy, alive, grounded, relaxed, connected and actually living and enjoying my life every day.
If any of this resonates with you – I’m here to tell you – you’re not alone. If I can do it, so can you.
Some of you may be saying right now, “Yeah, right – my cramps and bleeding phase is super painful, and it’s always been this way, and I’m sure it always will be.” I get it. When things feel painful, a moment can feel like a lifetime. And that you’re stuck with it. But it’s not necessary. And historically not common in other cultures.
Please get with a trusted doctor who specializes in female bodies and female wellness to address and help any dis-ease you may experience. There are SO many wonderful practitioners that can help (mine is Dr. Laura Brown and I see her mostly via zoom. Love her!)
By also adding in the conscious component of permission and acceptance to yourself and the menstrual phase strengths you have access to every day – it may also begin to help shift and ease physical discomforts. But please still go see your trusted doctor, too.
Let me know how it goes. I’m excited to hear your results.
If you need any extra help figuring out where you’re at on your menstrual cycle, what phase you’re in, and what energy proclivities you may have the most access to at the moment, download My Moontime App for quick and easy access.
Tired of apps?! I got you! There’s a new upcoming workshop where I teach how to do this by hand. Get on the waiting list here.
Not into workshops?! Not to worry – I’m writing a book on this topic. Stay tuned.
P.S. If you know anyone who may be interested and benefit from this, please share with them. I wish someone would have told me about this information when I was younger. It would have meant a lot to me, and helped me and many others in countless ways.
Much Love,
Dana Michelle Gillespie
My Moontime Creator
